If you're planning to spend time at the track, a set of semi-slick tires are available as an option.

After introducing the Golf GTI TCR edition as a concept at 2018's Wörthersee show in Austria, VW is now taking advance orders for the hotter hatch. Unfortunately for folks on most of the planet, the special model is only available in Europe at the moment.

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The road-going GTI TCR takes its inspiration from the version of the venerable hot hatch that's racing in the TCR International Series. The model uses a version of VW's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 286 horsepower (213 kilowatts) in this application. The only available gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it comes with a limited-slip front differential. The drivetrain gets the special edition model to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 5.6 seconds. In standard form, the TCR has a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 kph), but an option pushes the maximum velocity to 162 mph (260 kph).

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The TCR shows off its extra performance by adding a front splitter, different roof spoiler, rear diffuser, side sill extensions, and black mirror caps to the exterior. Drilled brake discs help when the time comes to slow down, and LED headlights illuminate the road ahead. The edition comes standard with a set of 18-inch wheels, or buyers can optionally upgrade to 19-inch pieces with standard tires or a set of semi-slick rubber for folks who intend to spend a lot of time at the track.

There's also an optional exterior styling pack that adds carbon fiber mirror caps, a black roof, and honeycomb-shaped decals on the rear fenders.

Upon opening the door, the driver nestles into a sport seat with a mix of microfiber and fabric upholstery. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has perforated sections at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, in addition to a red mark at 12 o'clock. A digital instrument display is also standard on the TCR.

The Golf GTI TCR starts at 38,950 euros ($44,356.38 at current exchange rates) in Germany, including the country's VAT.

Source: Volkswagen

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Golf with the genes of a race car: Advance sales of Golf GTI TCR commence1

The new Golf GTI TCR was derived from the racing car of the same name – the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series. The street version passes the 100 km/h mark after just 5.6 seconds, while the maximum speed is 250 km/h. The Vmax can optionally be increased to 260 km/h.

The Golf GTI TCR is even more exclusive than the Golf GTI Performance23 (which produces 180 kW / 245 PS) and features technology such as Front Assist, Active Info Display and LED headlights. The standard equipment includes a front-axle differential lock, perforated brake discs, driving profile selection, premium front sport seats with a new microfibre/fabric design, seat belts with red edging plus an exclusive sports steering wheel. As with the racing series, its leather is specially imprinted (perforated leather) at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions as well as with a red mark at 12 o'clock.

The new Golf GTI TCR is also distinguished by the standard 18-inch Belvedere forged wheels (or 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels, as an alternative), black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear. he newcomer makes a further strong impression even before the driver settles behind the wheel, as the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened.

The Golf GTI TCR can be further customised with options such as a new honeycomb decor foil for the side panels, carbon door mirror caps, a black painted roof, as well as various 19-inch alloy wheels. The alloy wheels are offered as a package, which among other things includes a Vmax upgrade to 260 km/h.

The first package (EUR 2,350) includes Reifnitz 19-inch rims with 235/35 R 19 tyres, the Vmax upgrade, a sports version of the rear damping system and the DCC adaptive chassis control system. The second package (EUR 3,200) includes Pretoria 19-inch rims with racetrack-ready sports tyres (semi-slicks) sized 235/35 R 19. Here, too, the Vmax upgrade, the sports version of the rear damping and the DCC are included. This package also includes additional wheel locks with expanded anti-theft protection.